Willow E17 tumble dryer: what it means & what to check

Stop using it for now. Carrying on with this fault risks further damage or a leak. Switch it off at the wall until it has been looked at.

What E17 actually means

The temperature sensor that watches the drying side of the machine isn't giving a sensible reading, so the machine has shut the drying down.

The fault calls E17 a dryer NTC failure. The NTC is a small thermistor that tells the control board how hot the air in the drying circuit is; if its reading disappears or goes out of range, the board can't govern the heat safely, so it abandons the drying part of the programme and puts the code up. Washing usually still completes on the washer-dryer models, but anything involving heat stops.

What E17 looks like on a Willow tumble dryer

Most people find this page having searched for what the machine is doing rather than the code itself. On a Willow tumble dryer, E17 usually shows up as one or more of these:

Not filling with water
No water going in
Takes for ever to fill
Stops right at the start of the cycle
Not drying
Blowing cold air
Clothes still damp at the end
Takes hours to dry

Recognise any of those? That is this fault, and the rest of this page explains what causes it and what you can check yourself.

What usually causes it

The drying temperature sensor itself has failed or gone open circuit
A loose or corroded plug on the sensor, often from damp and lint in that area
Damaged or chafed wiring between the sensor and the control board
A fault on the control board side, so a good sensor is read as faulty
Long-term heat build-up from restricted airflow having stressed the sensor

What you can safely check yourself

Work through these in order. Anything beyond this — panels off, testing parts, anything to do with the wiring — is an engineer's job, and not one to attempt with the machine plugged in.

Turn the programme knob to off, leave it three seconds, then start again — this resets the machine and clears codes that were one-offs.
Clean the lint filter thoroughly, and rinse it under the tap if it feels waxy from fabric conditioner.
On models with a condenser filter behind the lower flap, take it out and rinse it clean.
Make sure the machine isn't pushed hard against the wall and that nothing is blocking the air gap around it.
Switch off at the socket for a minute if the code returns straight away after the knob reset.

Which Willow models show E17

E17 means the same thing on all 4 of these models. If yours is not listed, the explanation above still applies — the code is set by the control board, not the model number.

W6120W · W7120W · WWM712BI · WWM814BI

Common questions about Willow E17

What does E17 mean on a Willow tumble dryer?

The temperature sensor that watches the drying side of the machine isn't giving a sensible reading, so the machine has shut the drying down. The fault calls E17 a dryer NTC failure. The NTC is a small thermistor that tells the control board how hot the air in the drying circuit is; if its reading disappears or goes out of range, the board can't govern the heat safely, so it abandons the drying part of the programme and puts the code up. Washing usually still completes on the washer-dryer models, but anything involving heat stops.

Can I fix Willow E17 myself?

There are 5 checks you can safely do yourself first.

Turn the programme knob to off, leave it three seconds, then start again — this resets the machine and clears codes that were one-offs.
Clean the lint filter thoroughly, and rinse it under the tap if it feels waxy from fabric conditioner.
On models with a condenser filter behind the lower flap, take it out and rinse it clean.
Make sure the machine isn't pushed hard against the wall and that nothing is blocking the air gap around it.
Switch off at the socket for a minute if the code returns straight away after the knob reset.

This one usually needs an engineer once you have tried them.

How much does it cost to repair Willow E17?

£66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.

Tried the checks and it's still showing E17?

This one usually needs an engineer once you have tried the checks above. Then it wants someone who can open it up.

What it costs, before you call: the price is the same whatever the fault turns out to be — £66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.

Our own engineers, not a call centre. We cover Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire — most tumble dryer faults are seen same day or next day.

Call 0115 648 0929 Book online — postcode and number is all we need

Outside our area? The explanation above still stands — take it to a local engineer and tell them the code. Knowing it saves them time and you money.

Other Willow tumble dryer codes

All Willow fault codes and repairs →

What this looks like when it happens

tumble dryer not heating

Repairs we cover near you

Written by the engineers at ASAP Repairs, 0115 648 0929. We repair these machines for a living in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire.

Willow E17 error — tumble dryer